Christie’s to Celebrate 60 Years of Dinh Van in Paris Exhibit

By Annie Davidson Watson | July 29, 2025

From Sept. 3 to 13, Christie’s Paris will host a retrospective dedicated to Jean Dinh Van, the French jeweler whose sleek, sculptural designs helped usher in a new era of modern jewelry.

Marking 60 years since the founding of Dinh Van’s namesake house, the exhibition—titled “Dinh Van, 60 Years of Freedom and Creation”—brings together archival sketches, heritage pieces, and iconic creations that trace his influence on contemporary design.

dinh van bracelet — *Jean Dinh Van Serrure Jonc bracelet (circa 1970s) in white gold*

Dinh Van began his career in the 1950s at Cartier, but by the mid 1960s he was carving out a new path with his own company—one that broke from tradition and reflected the spirit of the times. He pared jewelry down to pure lines, bold shapes, and an emphasis on wearability. His work resonated with a generation seeking freedom, both in design and in life.

In 1967, Dinh Van created the now famous Deux Perles ring, a design inspired by Pierre Cardin’s futuristic aesthetic. Around the same time, he collaborated with avant-garde designers like Paco Rabanne and his close friend, the sculptor César.

dinh van rings — *Jean Dinh Van and Paco Rabanne double ring in silver*

Dinh Van’s influence extended across the Atlantic. Exhibiting at Expo 67 in Montreal, he was invited to oversee Cartier’s New York workshops—a role he held for a decade. His pieces, often co-signed with Cartier, were distributed widely in North America and helped cement the idea of jewelry as part of everyday style, rather than something reserved for special occasions.

The Christie’s exhibition will coincide with the release of the book Dinh Van: Jewelry Sculptor by Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter (published by Flammarion), as well as of a short film and the reissue of several signature designs. Together, the tributes honor the enduring relevance of Dinh Van’s vision for jewelry design.

Top: Jean Dinh Van link bracelet in yellow gold with white pearls (photos courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2025)

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